A Santa Barbara teen is fighting for his life after doctors say he came down with a virus that damaged his heart.

17-year-old Sam Osterhage was diagnosed with heart failure a few weeks ago. Since then, he's been confined to a hospital bed at UCLA Medical Center. His mom Judy hasn't left his side.

To make matters worse, Sam then suffered a stroke and lost vision in both eyes. His parents say Sam needs a heart transplant. But, his condition has to improve before he can be placed on a transplant donor list. His father, Steve Osterhage said, "We're hoping for a miracle. We're hoping he will be healed. We believe in miracles and so does Sam."

The Santa Barbara teen is passionate about music and playing guitar. He was a big part of the music community at The Rockshop Academy. His friend Cousteau Christopher said, "His personality is so amazing. He has this certain trait about him that just attracts everyone to him. He makes every single person feel like they are special."

Sam's condition may have taken a toll on his body, but it hasn't lessened his spirit. Fellow Rockshop musician, Katelyn Mires said, "When we went to go visit him in the hospital, he was in such good spirits. He had such a positive outlook on the whole entire situation. It was really touching."

Sam even played his guitar in his hospital bed. "He was just playing it and he can't even see and he was just playing his heart out," said his brother Jesse.

UPDATE:

Friends and family have organized a benefit concert for Sam "Samo" Osterhage. Academy award winning actor Jeff Bridges and The Abiders, Dishwalla and students from the Rock Shop Academy will perform on Saturday, April 5th at The Lobero.For tickets click here

If you can't make the show, donations can be made to any Chase Bank under Judith A Osterhage to the Sam Osterhage fund.

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